Originally written by Haystack on 7/26/2007 1:32 PM
Danny,
Thanks for the info. I bought this unit last year and the previous owner said that he was getting 32-36 mpg with the sidecar at speeds of 65-75. Nothing regarding the alignment has been changed, however you make an interesting observation. If going around corners, curves creates scuffing resulting in extra drag then maybe I need to locate a dealer who can check the tow in/out. The I may try to keep lower speeds, but with the limits (on the hwy) being 70+, it can be a little risky.
Glenn
Glenn,
you dont need a dealer to check your toe in. all you need are a couple 8 foot long straight edges, 2- 4" high blocks, and a ruler.
set the blocks along side the rear bike tire and another next to the SC tire. put one straight edge on the block, tight against the bike sidewalls and extend it forward past the front of the bike wheel and set it on the ground.
put the other straight edge against the SC tire and extend that forward also.
then measure the distance between the inside rear edges of the straight edges. just to the rear of the tire.
do the same in the front, measuring just ahead of the tire.
the difference between the front and rear measurements are your toe in [out]
the front should be between 1/4 to 3/4" narrower than the rear.
NEVER more than the rear.
also any excess over the 1" mark will cause excess tirew wear ...fast!!
keep the toe -in as small as possible .
adjustments can be made with your lower SC mounts.
remember, the front of the straight edge will not touch the bike tire, due to the front tire usually being a smaller width than the rear.it will usually be about 1/4 " away from the front bike tire.. this is NORMAL!
dont push it against the front bike tire.
In my former life,I once owned a 1994 Goldwing 1500 SE. As a solo it would do as high as 45 mpg if kept at 55 mph. Raising the speed to 70-80 mph would drop the fuel mileage into the vey low 30's I could well imagine that it would have been as low as 25 mpg with a sidecar. Sounds about right.
